Few NBAers can match DeMarcus Cousins’ talent level (ask the Raptors, who got run over by Cousins in a 31 point, 20 rebound effort last week), but he remains his own worse enemy.

Cousins has been suspended three times this season for various reasons and Kings head coach Keith Smart talked to us when the team was in town about how players are now “individual corporations” who must be handled delicately.

Cousins shed some light on himself in an interview with Sports illustrated’s Chris Mannix.

“Sometimes I let some of the small things take over,” Cousins told SI.

“I’ve got a real problem when I know something is wrong or I feel something is wrong, I’m going to speak about it ... I don’t want to say I want to change it because it helped me get where I am. But at the same time, I have to learn to be quiet.”

Cousins thinks he has been unfairly labelled, and he has a point.

“To get the reputation that I’ve got, I don’t think I’ve done enough. I don’t have a criminal record. Some of the guys with the cleanest image in the league have a record. I don’t think I was given a fair chance. I don’t know what I did in college that was so bad to get that reputation,” he said.

Cousins isn’t pleased with the way Sacramento has handled him — “our organization doesn’t even know me,” he said.

Boston and Sacramento talked trade last week, but nothing materialized.

SUNS IN THE HUNT FOR GAY

Eager to cut significant future salary obligations, the Memphis Grizzlies have been shopping Rudy Gay for some time now.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Grizz might have found a taker in Phoenix.

Gay is owed a whopping $17.8 and $19.3 million U.S. over the next two seasons, and though a standout player, is simply making too much.

With elite big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph also making big money, as well as point guard Mike Conley Jr., Gay is seen as the most expendable. The Grizzlies also need to find a way to retain starting shooting guard and defensive lynchpin Tony Allen in the off-season.

The Suns like Dudley too, but need to add some star power now that Nash is gone.

Former top-four draft picks Michael Beasley and Wes Johnson, both massive underachievers, could be used to balance salary obligations, though the Yahoo! report states the framework of a deal is not yet in place.

NBA'S TOP 7 AND THE RAPTORS

L.A. Clippers (27-8)

Chris Paul is taking a run at MVP honours, Blake Griffin has improved and Los Angeles’ best team has the best bench in NBA.

San Antonio (27-10)

The old guys aren’t slowing down and even though young Kawhi Leonard has not taken the steps forward most expected, the Spurs remain a force.

Oklahoma City (26-8)

Outclassed the Raptors then had the classic let-down game against Washington. When locked in, Thunder is as good as any team.

Miami (23-9)

Quietly going about business. Not being talked about, but would you bet against this group led by likely MVP LeBron James?

N.Y. Knicks (23-11)

Carmelo Anthony should have shown more fight with his play than with his mouth.

Memphis (22-10)

Offence has not been good since start of December.

Houston (20-14)

Coming together behind superb season from James Harden. Taking a run at fourth in the conference.

Toronto (12-22)

So much for the streak. Need to move ball better, pick up the interior defence and take advantage of a pivotal week.